It seems strange in this war on terror that something as simple as a cartoon can ignite global riots. I've lived in Afghanistan for the last 5 months. Two weeks ago, the re-publication of the cartoon depicting Muhammad became a violent issue.

Rioting started at Bagram Air Field, about an hour North of Kabul. Friends of mine were caught in that, trying to drive out of the base. The windows of their SUVs were broken out, as they drove a gauntlet of angry Muslims that had layed seige to the US base. I was out in a part of Kabul dubbed "electronic street." I didn't know about the riots until later in the day, when my friends got back. For me, nothing changed, really.

The rioting was located at military bases and the Danish embassy.

All hell did break loose in those places, but the rest of the town it was business as usual. I work at the Mustafa Hotel in Kabul as a bartender. This arrangement allows me to live here and continue to write without having to stress about making a living by getting paid for my writing.

I've lived in Kandahar six weeks, previously, which is where the real problems are with fighting. Kabul is a relatively stable and modern. However, electricity still is only available about 12 hours a day, sporadically. I often see horse carriages being driven down the street next to SUVs and it is not uncommon to see children herding 20 or so goats through busy intersections to be sold.

My friends and I have joked that for once, the United States is not at fault, at least in regards to this cartoon controversy. Afghanistan is an Islamic Republic and it is strictly forbidden to make a visual depiction of the prophet, Muhammad. Most of the women here still wear burkas. As Afghanistan struggles to rebuild after 30 years of warfare and instability, secular issues like freedom of speech come as harsh lessons.

I've been treated kindly by the people of Afghanistan and this has not changed for me in the wake of the cartoons of Muhammad. A school teacher in Kabul makes $20 a month here, the Kabul Weekly recently reported. This country is one that juxtaposes contradictions and reflections of human history and values.

For me, I can understand why the people rioted. Memories of the WTO in Seattle come to mind, and the riots and police intervention that raged that week in the Emerald City. The military forces here exercised more restraint than the SPD back in 1999.

This cartoon controversy seems to have died down. Two days ago a bomb was intercepted and detonated at Camp Eggers, one of the US bases in Kabul. No one was hurt, and I haven't heard if anyone has claimed responsibility.

Bombs, gun fire and kidnappings are a part of the threats faced in Afghanistan. But I want emphasize that is not all that is going on here, all the time.